Sales through multiple-outlet and convenience stores in the four weeks ended Dec. 31 increased 1% to $894 million from a year ago, market research firm IRI reported. Case volumes slipped, pointing to consumer demand for costlier wines. Sales for the year rose 2% to $8.8 billion.
Sparkling wines outperformed the major table wine varietals in 2017, gaining 6%. Cabernet Sauvignon led table wine growth, rising 4% to $1.7 billion. Chardonnay, the top varietal, was unchanged at $1.9 billion.